Get Prepared for Winter: Damp & Mould Prevention Tips
The nights are drawing in and the heating's starting to come on.
Autumn is when damp and mould start to creep back into a lot of homes. The weather turns colder and wetter, windows stay shut for longer and we all spend more time indoors cooking, showering and drying washing. All that moisture has to go somewhere, and on cold windows and walls it turns into condensation. Give it a few weeks and that's when the first spots of mould tend to appear.
The good thing is that a little bit of preparation now can save a lot of hassle later. We've pulled together some easy, low-cost tips to help you get your home ready for the colder months, and to make sure any problems get spotted and sorted early.
- Check your vents and extractor fans
Trickle vents are the small slotted vents at the top of your window frames. They're easy to forget about, and lots of people close them when it gets chilly. Try to keep them open all year round, as they let moist air out without letting much heat escape.
While you're at it, check that your kitchen and bathroom extractor fans are actually working. Hold a sheet of toilet paper up to the fan. If it doesn't get pulled towards it, the fan may need cleaning or repairing. Let your housing provider know if it's not working. - Look out for leaks and drips
Autumn storms are a good test for your home. After heavy rain, take a quick look at ceilings, around windows and under sinks for any new damp patches, stains or drips. Overflowing gutters and water running down outside walls are worth reporting too, as they can lead to damp getting in. - Make some space for air to move
Furniture pushed right up against outside walls creates cold, still pockets where mould loves to grow. Pull wardrobes, sofas and beds about 5cm away from the wall so air can get round. It's also a good time to declutter overstuffed cupboards, especially ones on outside walls. - Get your heating ready early
It's much better to find out your heating isn't working on a mild October afternoon than on a freezing night in January. Put your heating on for a short while now to check every radiator warms up. If some feel cold at the top, they might need bleeding. If your boiler is making odd noises, losing pressure or struggling to heat the house, report it to your housing provider.
If you have gas in your home, your housing provider has to carry out a gas safety check every year. If you get a letter about yours, please make sure someone's in for the appointment. It keeps your boiler safe and running efficiently. - Little and often beats short bursts
Cold walls are where condensation forms. Keeping your home at a steady, gentle temperature makes walls and windows less likely to get cold enough for condensation to settle. Heating rooms in short, hot bursts and then letting them go cold can actually make things worse.
We know heating costs are a real worry for many households. If you're finding it hard to keep your home warm, speak to your housing provider. Many can point you towards energy advice, grants or other support. - Make a plan for drying washing
Drying clothes indoors is one of the biggest sources of moisture in winter, and a single load of washing can release litres of water into the air. Make the most of any dry, breezy autumn days to hang washing outside. When that's not possible, dry it on an airer in one room with the door closed and the window slightly open. Try to avoid drying clothes on radiators, as it pushes moisture straight into the room. - Put a lid on it
Warming soups and stews are an autumn favourite, but all that steam ends up on your walls and windows. Put lids on pans, switch on the cooker hood or extractor fan and keep the kitchen door closed while you cook. - Wipe your windows each morning
Waking up to wet windows is a sure sign autumn has arrived. Get into the habit of wiping condensation off windows and sills each morning with a dry cloth, then wring it out down the sink rather than leaving it on the radiator to dry. A cheap window squeegee makes the job even quicker. - Air your home every day, even when it's cold
It sounds odd to open a window when it's chilly outside, but even 10 to 15 minutes a day makes a real difference. The best times are after showering, cooking or first thing in the morning. Fresh air also warms up more quickly than damp air, so it won't cost as much to heat as you might think. - Know the signs and don't wait to report them
Even if you do all the right things, damp and mould can still turn up, especially if there's a problem with the building itself. Keep an eye out for:
- black, green or white spots on walls, ceilings or window frames
- a musty smell, particularly in wardrobes and cupboards
- peeling wallpaper or flaking paint
- damp patches that appear or grow after rain
If you spot any of these, take a couple of photos before you clean anything, then report it to your housing provider straight away. Under Awaab's Law, social landlords have to investigate and fix serious damp and mould within set timescales, but the clock only starts once they know about it. Reporting early really does make a difference.
For more on reporting, the causes of damp and mould and how to clean it safely, take a look at our Damp & Mould Support for Residents page: https://www.sureserve.co.uk/support-for-residents/damp-mould-support-for-residents/
A few small changes this autumn can help keep your home warm, dry and healthy right through to spring. If something doesn't look right, don't put it off. Take a photo, report it, and let your housing provider help put it right.